Talk Show Canceled After Guest Dies

A British talk show was canceled following the death of a man who was a guest on the show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, ITV canceled “The Jeremy Kyle Show,” a tabloid-style show that has been likened to the U.S. program “The Jerry Springer Show.”

The cancellation follows the death of Steve Dymond, 63, who was found dead last week after taping an episode of the talk show. His death is being treated as a possible suicide.

“The BBC reported that the episode in question focused on the subject of infidelity, and Dymond took a lie detector test on the show,” THR reports. “A member of the audience who was at the recording told the BBC that Dymond was shocked and cried after failing the test, while his fiancee was sobbing.”

ITV CEO Carolyn McCall is quoted saying: “Given the gravity of recent events we have decided to end production of ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show.’ ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ has had a loyal audience and has been made by a dedicated production team for 14 years, but now is the right time for the show to end.”

The British government has indicated it will conduct an investigation into reality television in the wake of Dymond’s death. A parliamentary committee for media and other issues is quoted saying: “The inquiry will consider production companies’ duty of care to participants, and ask whether enough support is offered both during and after filming, and whether there is a need for further regulatory oversight in this area.”

2 Comments

How long before a network cancels a show if a viewer at home watches something that upsets them and they commit suicide or an act of violence? I know this is the UK but I could see this happening in this country soon if a certain group of advocates get in power.

Matthias, spot on! I was about to say the very same thing. I’ve never seen such a bunch of puzzies in my entire life! I’m 70 years old, and a disabled combat Marine. If we acted like this back in the 50s, 60s and 70s, people would have laughed us right off of the the planet. I’ve never seen such Ridiculousness in my life.
We’re going to investigate all reality programs because of this, are you kidding me!